Is there anything better than settling down after a long week and drowning out the rest of the world with a great watch on Netflix? The streaming platform has options for everyone, from the true crime section to hit series like Wednesday, Stranger Things, Firefly Lane, and Ginny and Georgia — and that’s barely scratching the surface. You could get lost in Netflix, and if you’re being honest with yourself, you probably have a time or two.
What about the days, however, when you want to watch something feel-good and family-friendly? Netflix has plenty of viewing options for nights like those, too. In fact, some of our favorite things to watch are the G-rated films and series that are on offer. From the animated greats to the options that will leave you with warm fuzzies inside — we’ve put together some stellar things to add to your watch list. Trust me, as a mother to an incredible tiny human, we’ve put these mom-approved titles to the test.
You’ll laugh, cry, and fall in love with everything from heartwarming stories about animals to hilarious animated films that’ll make you believe in magic again. What are the best options for your family movie night on Netflix right now? Grab your popcorn and favorite blanket because we’ve got you covered.
Rescued by Ruby (2022)
Is there anything better than a story about a dog where you pose the question, who rescued who? We don’t think so. Rescued by Ruby caught our attention immediately because we’re suckers for any movie about a dog, but especially one where the dog survives. So many movies about pups have a high tear factor, and you’ll absolutely feel all the feels watching this one, too, but it’s in the best way — we promise!
The synopsis for Rescued By Ruby reads as follows:
“Chasing his dream to join an elite K-9 unit, a state trooper partners with a fellow underdog: clever but naughty shelter pup Ruby. Based on a true story.”
We’ll warn you ahead of time: while this is definitely a feel-good kind of movie, you’ll shed a few tears, so grab your tissues before you sit down to press play.
Robin Robin (2021)
In a movie that truly proves your family is who you make it, Robin Robin sees a sweet bird being raised by a family of mice, and at first, she doesn’t question anything. As sweet Robin grows up, she starts to realize that she’s not the same as her family, and when she attempts to prove to them that she can be the best mouse of all, she ends up recognizing all of the magic she already possesses, as herself.
The synopsis for Robin Robin reads as follows:
“An optimistic young robin raised by a family of mice makes a heartfelt wish on a Christmas star to learn how to fly.”
You’ll walk away from Robin Robin feeling like you learned a lot and had a sweet little burst of the Christmas spirit while you wait for the holidays to get here. Trust us; you won’t want to miss this one. Ruby, adding to its emotional impact during your next movie night with your family.
Chicken Run (2000)
Stop the presses! A sequel to Chicken Run is on the horizon. That’s right, the chickens we know and love are back for round two, which means now is the perfect time to rewatch the original before Dawn of the Nugget debuts on the platform on December 15, 2023.
The synopsis for Chicken Run reads as follows:
“Tells story of a band of chickens doomed to a life of egg-laying on a Yorkshire chicken farm. When a flamboyant American rooster arrives on the scene, the hens hope he can teach them to fly to freedom. However, when a chicken-pie making machine is installed, their need becomes urgent and they must devise other means of escape.”
As we said above, with the news that a sequel to Chicken Run finally has a release window of December, now is the perfect time to rewatch this movie. Kids and adults alike will laugh and fall in love with this one.
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
A documentary feature about the relationship between man and the ocean, My Octopus Teacher is an emotional one. In the film, Craig Foster narrates and examines his diving experiences when he befriends an octopus living in the kelp forests off the coast of South Africa. Upon learning about the creature’s mysterious world, Foster gains her trust.
The synopsis for My Octopus Teacher reads as follows:
“A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.”
In this Netflix original documentary, which won the Best Documentary Feature Oscar at the 93rd Academy Awards, Foster and the sea creature are at the center of the story, with humanity placed in perspective while focusing heavily on Foster’s relationship with the creature. During its one-hour and twenty-five-minute runtime, the film invokes all kinds of emotions and was praised by critics and audiences alike.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)
The Princess Switch films are some of the cutest Netflix movies we’ve seen in a while and Switched Again was the perfect sequel to the sweet debut starring Vanessa Hudgens. It has definite Parent Trap vibes, but it also tells a unique story, and the added bonus of a holiday feel ties the bow perfectly atop the present.
The synopsis for The Princess Switch: Switched Again reads as follows:
“Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with boyfriend Kevin at the same time. It’s up to her double Princess Stacy to get the star-crossed lovers back together.”
Another Christmas-esque movie, The Princess Switch: Switched Again, is the perfect watch any time of year, and it’ll make you believe in love and magic again.
Puff: Wonders of the Reef (2021)
There’s something special about the sea life and the magic that exists in the untapped territory. From tiny creatures to the magical way, they exist to how significant of an impact humans have on their habitats, this movie is both informational and wonderful to explore. Oh, and just be prepared — once you enjoy this one, you’ll have the deeply planted urge to have a baby puffer fish of your own.
The synopsis for Puff: Wonders of the Reef reads as follows:
“A baby pufferfish travels through a wondrous micro-world full of fantastical creatures as he searches for a home on the Great Barrier Reef.”
Is there anything better than settling in for the night to watch the cutest little puffer fish on his travels? We think not.
Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007)
In case you are in the mood for a classic, silly comedy movie, you can watch Mr. Bean‘s Holiday, featuring Rowan Atkinson as the iconic comedic character. In this film, the protagonist is mistaken for a kidnapper after winning a trip to Cannes. He is also mistaken for a popular filmmaker somehow.
The synopsis for Mr. Bean’s Holiday reads as follows:
“Mr. Bean wins a trip to Cannes where he unwittingly separates a young boy from his father and must help the two reunite. On the way he discovers France, bicycling, and true love.”
A heartwarming, feel-good movie full of laugh-out-loud humor, physical comedy, and absurd situations, Mr. Bean’s Holiday may seem a bit dated nowadays, but it offers a lot of fun.
A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019)
A space creature crashes near Mossy Bottom Farm, and Shaun must help her get home before the wrong people capture her in this stop-motion animated romp. Shaun first appeared in the British television series Shaun the Sheep in 2007, which ran until 2020. Having played Shaun the Sheep seven times, iconic voice actor Justin Fletcher reprises the character for a fifth project.
The synopsis for A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon reads as follows:
“When an alien with amazing powers crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun the Sheep goes on a mission to shepherd the intergalactic visitor home before a sinister organization can capture her.”
Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon is Netflix’s only feature film in the franchise. Unfortunately, the original 2015 Shaun the Sheep Movie is unavailable on the streaming service, but it offers two series and two other shorts for more satisfying Shaun content.
The Beginning of Life (2016)
A beautifully crafted exploration of early childhood development, Estela Renner’s The Beginning of Life draws on the perspectives of caregivers worldwide. In the documentary, we explore how caring adults shape children’s bright futures in the early years of their lives.
“Discoveries in neuroscience can help us understand childhood development. When a person is born, it is more than just a genetic load. We are formed by our relationship with everything around us combined with our genetics, The Beginning of Life investigates what separates us and what is essential to all of us, how we can create a better world by investing in the first years of our lives.”
Informed interviews and simple explanations of studies make this film a unique bonding experience for parents and children. Even though the lessons imparted here are more beneficial to adults than kids, reinforcing the importance of parent-child relationships is enhanced when the entire family is present.
Here’s hoping you can enhance your next family movie night with these Netflix movies, and we’ll keep updating this list with new recommendations when you need them the most.